Tragic Death of Teenage Apprentice in Workplace 'Prank'
A 15-year-old apprentice has tragically died after suffering catastrophic injuries when coworkers forced a high-pressure air hose into his body during what was described as a workplace 'joke'. The incident occurred in a wood workshop in Bozova, Sanliurfa, Turkey, on 14th November.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Muhammed Kendirci, who was working as an apprentice, was allegedly overpowered by his coworker Habip Aksoy and an unidentified friend. The perpetrators first tied the teenager's hands before forcibly removing his trousers and directing high-pressure air from a compressor into his rectum.
The so-called 'prank' had devastating consequences, causing the boy's intestines to explode and resulting in catastrophic internal injuries. Emergency services were called to the scene and found the young apprentice fighting for his life.
Medical Treatment and Investigation
Muhammed was initially taken to Bozova Mehmet Enver Yildirim State Hospital before being transferred to Balikligol State Hospital. He was later moved again to Harran University Research and Application Hospital, where medical professionals confirmed severe internal organ damage.
The teenager was placed in intensive care and received treatment for five days before sadly passing away on the morning of 19th November.
Police immediately opened an investigation into the incident. Habip Aksoy was taken into custody but was initially released under judicial control. However, this decision was later overturned on appeal, leading to a warrant for his detention. He was arrested again and remanded by the court.
Global Pattern of Similar Tragedies
This heartbreaking case is unfortunately not isolated. Around the world, high-pressure air hoses have caused similar catastrophic and sometimes fatal injuries when misused.
In Brazil, 17-year-old Wesner Moreira da Silva died in agony after colleagues blasted a high-pressure air hose up his backside as a 'prank', also causing his intestines to explode. Two men were subsequently jailed for 12 years for their involvement in his death.
More recently in 2023, 16-year-old Motilal Sahu died of internal injuries after a man inserted a compressed air hose into his rectum 'for fun' at an Indian factory. The sudden burst of air severely damaged the teenager's intestines, causing his collapse and subsequent death.
Even medical professionals have underestimated the dangers of compressed air. In another Brazilian case, two doctors were indicted for manslaughter after using a compressed-air hose in an attempt to blow a popcorn kernel out of a two-year-old's nose, resulting in fatal injuries.
Safety experts consistently warn that compressed air should never be directed at or into the human body due to the risk of deadly internal injuries. These tragic incidents highlight the critical importance of proper workplace safety training and the potentially fatal consequences of what might be mistaken for harmless pranks.
